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StephN · 04-09-2006, 10:00 PM

Hi Tina -
I had an incision to remove a suspected recurrent brain tumor met in Feb. It thankfully turned out to be NOT tumor, but radiation necrosis that was bleeding. Why it was so "bright" on the brain PET scan and look so much like active tumor.
They cut up the center of my scalp in the back between the two main tendons right on the spinal line. This was for accessing my cerebellum and to get at the tumor site behind my left ear.
I don't know how your surgeon will access your tumor area, but you MUST ASK those details. I have a long scar and they shaved the whole back of my head.

It did not hurt very much - the main discomfort came from the trauma to the neck area and all the way around under my chin - even my jaw was sore (Had to eat in little bites and use a straw to drink). They turn you on your stomach and you have some breathing tubes in your mouth, etc.
Longer recovery from the stiffness in my neck. Could not drive for about 2 weeks as could not turn well enough to see.
They took out the outer staples after one week - there were about 24 so you see it is a long scar.
Now my hair is growing back and I can put away my chemo hats and berets that I was wearing to keep from shocking people with that scar. The swelling is down and I can sleep in any position now. I still have to limit activities like gardening where my head is down for very long.
You will do fine - please keep us posted, OK?

04-09-2006, 10:00 PM	#15
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Had brain surgery in Feb. Hi Tina - I had an incision to remove a suspected recurrent brain tumor met in Feb. It thankfully turned out to be NOT tumor, but radiation necrosis that was bleeding. Why it was so "bright" on the brain PET scan and look so much like active tumor. They cut up the center of my scalp in the back between the two main tendons right on the spinal line. This was for accessing my cerebellum and to get at the tumor site behind my left ear. I don't know how your surgeon will access your tumor area, but you MUST ASK those details. I have a long scar and they shaved the whole back of my head. It did not hurt very much - the main discomfort came from the trauma to the neck area and all the way around under my chin - even my jaw was sore (Had to eat in little bites and use a straw to drink). They turn you on your stomach and you have some breathing tubes in your mouth, etc. Longer recovery from the stiffness in my neck. Could not drive for about 2 weeks as could not turn well enough to see. They took out the outer staples after one week - there were about 24 so you see it is a long scar. Now my hair is growing back and I can put away my chemo hats and berets that I was wearing to keep from shocking people with that scar. The swelling is down and I can sleep in any position now. I still have to limit activities like gardening where my head is down for very long. You will do fine - please keep us posted, OK?